Colorado State football's 3 keys to beating CU

CSU safety Kevin Pierre-Louis and cornerback Bernard Blake break up a pass intended for Paul Richardson during last season’s Rocky Mountain Showdown. The Rams’ secondary is going to need to step up its game this year if it wants to win the Centennial Cup.(Photo: Jack Dempsey/AP)

College football season in Colorado kicks off Friday night with the Rocky Mountain Showdown.

Each week, Coloradoan sports columnist Matt L. Stephens (aka me) will give his keys to the game before each contest and will reexamine them the day after.

Here are the three things CSU has to do to beat the University of Colorado on Friday night.

1. Run the ball, and do it well

It shouldn't come as a surprise that Colorado State University plans on having a more pass-heavy offense this year thanks to returning senior quarterback Garrett Grayson, who's on pace to set the career passing-yardage record for the Rams. CSU knows what it has in Grayson, but what's still up in the air is the ground game and how effective it can be.

From top to bottom, CSU has more talent at running back than it did last season, and that's saying a lot since Kapri Bibbs had a record-setting season in 2013. Jasen Oden, Alabama transfer Dee Hart, junior college transfer Treyous "Sosa" Jarrells and freshman Deron Thompson all bring their own unique firepower to the backfield. Consider: The Rams haven't had a 100-yard rusher against the Buffs since Leonard Mason did it in Boulder in 2009.

Slow starts against the Buffs — especially on the ground — have plagued the Rams for the past two seasons. If a single running back can come within reach of the 100-yard mark, it will go a long way toward building confidence in the rushing department this season, especially with a trip to Boise State looming next week.

2. Keep CU's passing under 300 yards

After allowing more than 400 passing yards last year, CSU should be OK with baby steps considering the Buffs will face the same CSU secondary.

CU quarterback Sefo Liufau led the team in passing last year as a freshman, but didn't play in the Rocky Mountain Showdown. With no receiver as talented as the departed Paul Richardson to cover, CSU's secondary should have a better shot of keeping the Buffs in check. However, D.D. Goodson, Nelson Spruce and Tyler McCulloch are all talented receivers that pose a threat.

The Rams need to make sure they keep their coverage disguised, get pressure on the quarterback from the defensive line to help the defensive backs and, for the love of football, please communicate. Any defensive back who uses the "we didn't communicate" excuse for a potential blown assignment should be riding the bench in Boise.

3. Receivers that live up to the hype

For the first time since 2008, CSU actually has reliable talent returning at the wide receiver positions. I'm pretty sure that's been said the past three years, but this time it's actually true. (Right?)

There are two slot receivers who, despite their lack of height, are capable of playing outside in Joe Hansley and Charles Lovett. Freshman Deionte Gaines brings speed to beat anyone across the middle, and Rashard "Hollywood" Higgins can do it all. He's not quite as quick as Gaines but brings a nice balance and will undoubtedly be Grayson's favorite target again this year.

Assuming they don't struggle with drops like they did through the first three games of 2013, CSU's receivers should be in position to have a solid game against the Buffs. They're going to need to if the Rams are going to win.